THREE youths have been arrested in connection with a spate of vehicle arsons on a housing estate.

The males, all local to Caia Park, were being questioned at Wrexham police station yesterday in connection with a fires in and around Caia Park. More arrests are expected.

Their arrests were not being linked to a car arson attack at The Orchards in the Whitegate/Hightown area of Wrexham on Tuesday morning.

Police said the investigation into that incident continues and a youth arrested in connection with it has been released on police bail.

An inquest has opened into the death of Dorothy Dudley-Smith. The 78-year-old collapsed early Tuesday morning after discovering her Ford Fiesta had been set on fire outside her home in the attack at The Orchards, on the outskirts of Caia Park.

A post-mortem gave a provisional cause of death as a stroke. Acting Coroner for North East Wales John Gittins has opened an inquest.

The family of Mrs Dudley-Smith have been too upset to talk.

Police were also investigating another arson attack shortly after midnight yesterday.

Garden furniture and fencing were set alight in Penygraig, Rhosllannerchrugog,

There was no indication it was linked to any of the earlier attacks yesterday, but detectives said they were keeping an open mind.

Chief Insp Alex Goss said: “The investigations into all these incidents are a top priority for officers in Wrexham.

“We are taking positive action and extra patrols have been deployed.

“Anyone suspected of deliberately starting any fires, be it cars, hedges or bins will be arrested.

“We are appealing to the public to come forward with information to help us put a stop to this dangerous criminal activity and bring the offenders before the courts.”

Anybody with information can call police on 1o1 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.